Unlike ordinary markets, “Chợ quê làng tôi” (My Village’s Country Market) comes to life as dusk falls. In the fleeting moment when the sun gently sets behind the majestic limestone mountains surrounding Van Long wetland, folk music starts to play, signaling the beginning of a heartfelt country market experience. The rustic and simple atmosphere amidst nature makes one feel as if they have stepped back in time.
From the entrance, the market unfolds like a vibrant painting of rural life. Sparkling oil lamps, bamboo and thatched roof stalls, and old rural utensils such as baskets, fish traps, and winnowing fans are carefully arranged, creating a nostalgic and memorable setting.
The market brings together traditional folk games that were once an integral part of Vietnamese culture: pot smashing, crab racing, dart throwing, and ball fighting, to name a few. Each game evokes laughter and a sense of familiarity and warmth.
What makes this market unique is that it is organized and served by the local people themselves. These kind and sincere farmers contribute to the intimate and cordial atmosphere that makes the market so memorable.
Visitors not only get to play the games but also relive old memories: the candy seller with her distinctive cry, the portrait artist, and the calligrapher with his ink and red paper. Together, they create a space filled with rustic and profound nostalgia.
Another distinctive feature of the market is its unique currency system. Visitors exchange their money for “market money” with denominations of 5 and 10 units, printed on handmade paper. This currency is used for shopping and participating in market activities, adding to the vintage feel and encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in their roles.
The food area is a must-visit, offering over 50 rustic dishes such as burnt rice, mountain goat meat, bun rieu (a type of rice vermicelli soup), snail noodles, roasted sweet potatoes, and boiled corn. It’s a true feast for the senses, with all dishes prepared using local ingredients and traditional recipes.
Guests can easily strike up conversations with the locals to learn about cooking techniques, family secrets, and folk seasoning tips. Beyond delicious food, guests also experience the warmth and skill embedded in each simple yet culturally rich dish.
“Chợ quê làng tôi” is more than just a marketplace or entertainment hub; it’s a cultural exchange between the people of Gia Vien and visitors. Stories of rural life, customs, and traditional festivals are shared through friendly greetings and sincere smiles.
The locals are eager to share their knowledge about the region’s history, people, and the spirit of Northern Vietnam. These seemingly random conversations unlock a shared memory bank, preserving traditions that might otherwise be forgotten.
Every corner of the market holds a piece of memory. Each stall and activity carries a tale of regional culture. Folk performances such as sap dancing, cheo singing, and drum festivals are also held intermittently, adding to the colorful cultural tapestry.
The natural backdrop of Van Long wetland’s lush greenery provides the perfect setting for this revival of old-world charm. The combination of pristine nature and traditional culture gives this unique country market its special appeal.
In the face of rapid urbanization, “Chợ quê làng tôi” serves as a bridge between the past and the present. It is not just an experience but also a space for cultural preservation, where every Vietnamese can rediscover aspects of their heritage that might have been overlooked.
If you find yourself in Ninh Binh, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Van Long wetland on the weekend and take part in this extraordinary market. There, you will find a village of the past coming back to life, filled with simplicity, sincerity, and overflowing with love.
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